Page 10 - SST Class 07

5. What changes do you find after the invasion of Muslims in India?
6. Describe the major literary sources of the medieval period.

1. Why do we find a variation in information in different copies by the same writer?

2. Is the study of history of any use to us to understand the present times?

Miniature Paintings
Miniature paintings originated in India around 750 AD when the Palas ruled
over the eastern part of India. Since religious teachings of the Buddha,
accompanied by his images, were written on palm leaves, these paintings
became popular. As these paintings were done on palm leaves, they had to
be miniature in nature because of space constraint. Around 960 AD, similar
paintings were introduced in the western parts of India by the rulers of the
Chalukya Dynasty. During this period, miniature paintings often portrayed
religious themes. With the rise of the Mughal Empire, miniature paintings
started growing on a level unknown before. Thanks to Akbar’s love for art,
Indian miniature paintings combined elements of Persian style of painting,
to give rise to the Mughal style of painting. These miniature paintings further evolved with the influence
of European paintings in the Mughal court. Even after the decline of the Mughal Empire, miniature
paintings and artists were patronised by the Rajput rulers of Rajasthan. Though influenced by the
Mughal style of painting, the miniature paintings of Rajasthan had their own distinct features and often
depicted the royal lifestyle and mythological stories of Lord Krishna and Radha. Most of these miniature
paintings depicted the lifestyle of kings and queens and also narrated their tales of bravery. Some of
these paintings were also created to showcase the contribution of various rulers towards their
respective subjects and kingdoms.

Contemporary Social Science-7
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